THE SILHOUETTE MAGAZINE FIRST ISSUE! INSIDE: BLITZ! SCENARIOS AND

Transcription

AURORA
THE SILHOUETTE MAGAZINE
FIRST ISSUE! INSIDE:
BLITZ! SCENARIOS AND RULES
JOVIAN CHRONICLES FICTION
TABLETOP PAPER MINIATURES
PREVIEWS AND MORE!
SPECIAL PULL OUT SECTION: ODYSSEY SEED
ISSUE 1.1
AURORA:
the S ilhouette magazine
Table Of Contents
volume 1, issue 1
Shades in the Night...
Shades in the Night... Editor’s Message
1
Hero’s Rest
Fiction set in the Jovian Chronicles
2
Core Injection: Variant RPG Rules
Rules for SilCORE RPG
4
Blood for the Prophet
Scenario for Heavy Gear Blitz!
6
You hold in your hands the first issue of the new Silhouette
Magazine. Its founding story is a familiar one: a game magazine
for the players, by the players. Yet as time immemorial as that
story is there is a unique twist: this magazine is for the line of
games published by Dream Pod 9, and that makes it dear to
many a heart.
Any and all game lines from DP9 are fair game for this magazine,
from the harsh world of Tribe 8 to the far-flung future of Jovian
Chronicles, from the RPG side of things to the heavy action of
the new BLITZ! line. For our first issue we’ve got fiction, rules,
scenarios, and as a double bonus we have for you a pair of
paper miniatures AND the first instalment of Odyssey: SEED,
the original Jovian Chronicles adventure.
SPECIAL PULL OUT SECTION -- Odyssey: SEED
Adventure for Jovian Chronicles
Paper Model: Behemoth
Tabletop Miniatures
9
Messages from the Pod
Official DP9 Material
16
About the Authors
The Whos and Copyright Information
21
Submission Guidelines
How to Submit to Aurora
22
Article Suggestions
What We’re Looking For
23
What kind of player-based magazine would we be without our
fine submission guidelines? Have a read, dust off your great
ideas, sit down, write them out and send them in.
For me personally, I’m excited to see this endeavour launching.
The Silhouette-based game line has always been a varied one,
and to receive this kind of expansion and support should prove
not only fun but also a great boon to us players everywhere. It
also gives the fans a place to share their ideas and hone their
creativity, and I’m committed that this magazine promotes both
of those. I’ve been a fan of Silhouette and the Silhouette System
since the earliest release of Heavy Gear, expanding to many of
their game worlds and leading up to writing for my own releases
as well as the Pod team. From the get-go DP9 raised the bar
for quality, rich universes and fantastic graphic layout. While we
may be limited in the latter given this magazine’s format we will
continue these traditions.
Sit back, grab a cawfee, put your systems on autopilot and dig
into the first issue.
Oliver Bollmann
Aurora Magazine Editor
Volume 1, Issue 1
all material © - see last page
AURORA:
hero's rest
Charles Lewis
Shuyun as he ignited his thrusters. “This is where legs would be
useful.” The Syreen scraped along the launch bay until Shuyun
was able to nudge it up a bit. Some flash of intuition caused him
to ease out of the launch bay rather than fly for the sky as fast
as he could.
“Mayday! Mayday! This is the Merchant Rose to any naval
vessels that can hear us. We are under attack by unknown
forces, and need immediate help. Mayday! Mayday!...”
Captain Roth turned to her communications officer. “Signal the
Merchant Rose that help is on the way.” She then turned to the
rest of her bridge crew. “Conn, get a fix on the Rose’s position.”
Touching a switch on her headset, she then addressed the crew
of the Tengu-class carrier Braggadacio, “All hands to Battle
Stations. There is a merchant ship under attack. Scramble
Bravo 1 and Alpha 1 and 2. Alpha 3 to remain on Alert 5 status.
Repeat, all hands to Battle Stations.”
His comm unit pinged, indicating a lock-on from a communications
laser. “Alpha 3, where are you?” asked the Captain.
“I’m easing out of the hangar bay now.”
“Good. Move over to the port side of the ship and stay quiet.
We’ve been hit by a lightning strike from a Bricriu-corvette
which masked a Chieftain-class cruiser that was decelerating
to intercept us.”
Within minutes, Alpha 1 and 2, a pair of Syreen exo-armors, had
grabbed hold of the Manticore, a Hydra ADB and Braggadacio’s
escort, while Bravo 1, a Wraith fighter, pulled along side.
Manticore then began accelerating hard to intercept Merchant
Rose before it was too late. The Hydras were small, fast attack
boats initially fielded by CEGA to counter the new Jovian exoarmor technology until CEGA could field their own exos and
would be able to get the Syreens to the battle in a hurry while
they could conserve their reaction mass for the fight.
Another voice interposed itself over the radio. “CEGA vessel!
Stand down and prepare to be boarded! Your ship now belongs
to STRIKE.” Shuyun winced. “This is bad. Really, really bad,”
he thought.
Captain Roth responded defiantly, “You’ll not get this ship, you
terrorist.”
Meanwhile, Sub-lieutenant Shuyun Li fumed in the cockpit of
Alpha 3. Ever since his sister had been arrested two years ago
as a dissident for speaking out about the inequalities in society
as CEGA grew stronger, Shuyun had been routinely passed
over for good assignments and duties. He knew he was under
a cloud of suspicion since his sister’s arrest, and resented
having to work harder than everyone else just to maintain his
position. And while Braggadacio’s flight group had been racking
up combat experience dealing with the recent surge in piracy, he
had spent most of the recent engagements sitting in the hangar
on Alert status.
“Captain, if you attempt to scuttle your ship, we’ll fire and destroy
you first, and none of your crew will survive. We’ve crippled
your engines and you can’t even turn to bring your launchers to
bear. Stand down now, and no one else has to die. This is your
last warning.”
With the radio chatter of his comrades in his ear as they engaged
the pirates attacking the Merchant Rose, Shuyun drifted off in a
reverie where he got to be the hero for a change instead of the
black sheep in danger of being booted out of the service for the
slightest infraction.
“What is it, Li?” asked Captain Roth while the communications
officer informed the raiders of their compliance.
Hovering in the shadow of the Braggadacio, Shuyun got an
idea. He painted the ship with a communications laser. “What
is it, Alpha 3?” queried the communications officer.
“I need to speak to the Captain. I’ve got a plan.”
��
Shortly, the two squads of Minotaur exo-suits that were the
ship’s security force began filing out of the port-side hatch. They
clustered around Shuyun near the bow of the ship. His comm
unit again pinged as he was painted with a communications
laser. “OK, Alpha 3. It’s now or never. This had better work.”
Klaxons started shrieking. “Danger! Incoming bogies on
Lightning Strike! Launch Alpha 3 yesterday!!!” Shuyun was
startled out of his daydream.
“How did enemies get here?” he thought as visually ran over his
gauges and tested his controls before signalling he was ready to
launch. The catapult officer gave him the customary salute as
he hit the release. Shuyun’s Syreen was thrown off the catapult
guide, however, when the ship was rocked with a devastating
explosion. “They really caught us with our pants down,” thought
Volume 1, Issue 1
“No pressure, eh, Captain?” Still, Shuyun’s heart warmed at
the confidence being shown in him. He waved the exo-armor’s
arms to signal the exo-suit squad leaders and then ignited his
thrusters.
AURORA:
As one, the Manticores fired their thrusters at maximum burn,
and slowly, ever so slowly, the bow of the Braggadacio began
to turn towards the enemy. Meanwhile, Shuyun arced over
his ship and immediately locked on to the STRIKE cruiser. He
quickly cycled through his targets and selected what should be
the enemy bridge, then transmitted the coordinates to the ship.
hero's rest
“However, I owe you my life and the life of your shipmates. Your
plan was audacious, clever, and desperate enough to work. It
cost me dearly, but I have gotten you a promotion and a transfer.”
There was a hint of a bitter smile on Captain Roth’s face.
“Ma’am, I don’t know what to say. Transfer where?” Shuyun
was anxious, and he had the feeling the deck was about to drop
out from under him.
Belatedly, the cruiser’s guns began to open up, but this time, they
were the ones caught completely off-guard. At maximum thrust,
he quickly closed the gap between the two ships and began
skimming the hull of the Chieftain as the Braggadacio completed
its turn, and began launching salvo after salvo. Shuyun fired and
destroyed the PDS turret, leaving the enemy ship vulnerable to
the incoming missiles. He veered off, anticipating explosions,
and got caught in some of the cruiser’s desperate fire.
“Lieutenant Li, you have been transferred to the United Space
Nations Guard fleet. Your initiative and bravery should serve
you well there. And the USN doesn’t care what crimes your
sister has committed. Good luck to you, Li.” And with that,
Captain Roth turned and left.
��
Tumbling uncontrolled, it was all Shuyun could do to wrestle the
controls of his exo. Missiles and lasers made a kaleidoscope
of colors around him. The pinging of near-misses was like hail
on a tin roof, and with one last lurch, Shuyun finally managed
to kill the thrusters and bring the battered Syreen under some
semblance of control. Another errant shot found him, though,
and Shuyun Li’s world went black.
USNS Templar was a Poseidon-class battleship, and the
flagship of the Guard. Shuyun was amazed at the turn in his
luck. He was given a hero’s welcome by his flight leader.
“Welcome aboard, Lieutenant Li! I read the report your Captain
had filed on the battle with the terrorists. That was pretty
incredible!” exclaimed Commander Wilson.
��
Feeling a little sheepish, and unused to so much positive
attention, Shuyun responded, “I just got lucky. I’m just glad it
worked.”
Shuyun’s first sensation was that of stiffly starched sheets.
With an effort, he managed to open his eyes. A nurse quickly
appeared, and he was submitted to the usual poking and
prodding. After some water that ripped down his parched throat,
a doctor came by and told him how lucky he was to be alive,
much less unhurt beyond a few bumps and bruises. Shuyun
didn’t realize he had been holding his breath until it exploded
out of him with relief.
“Hey, lucky counts in my book. Now such a hero shouldn’t
get a Syreen or a Pathfinder; he should get one of our two
Wyverns!”
“Thanks! You guys see much action?”
A bit later, Captain Roth came by.
“Thank you, Ma’am.”
“You mean us guys, right?” Commander Wilson winked.
“Actually, we don’t. Not too many pirates want to tangle with a
Poseidon. You should have plenty of time to get acquainted with
your Wyvern and catch your breath a bit.” Wilson put his arm
around Shuyun and began to steer him towards the hangar bay.
“I imagine you’ll want to check it out as soon as possible?”
“I put you in for a commendation for both saving the ship and
enabling us to capture a Venusian vessel in STRIKE service.
The engineers hope to learn a lot from that Chieftain.”
“ALERT! ALERT! All shifts to Action Stations! All Shifts to Action
Stations! Merchant shipping under attack. This is not a drill.
ALERT! ALERT!”
“Thank you, Ma’am!”
“No rest for you, Hero. Time for some OJT!” shouted Commander
Wilson as he broke into a run.
“Well, Li, your plan worked. Congratulations,” she said with just
a hint of distaste.
“Don’t. You won’t be getting a commendation. It wouldn’t do to
parade the brother of a criminal around as a hero.” Shuyun was
engulfed with despair. He had been the hero, and it still wasn’t
enough!
Volume 1, Issue 1
AURORA:
core injection: variant rpg rules
oliver bollmann
Core Injections are meant as supplements to the existing
set of rules and expansions; an addition of material to
enhance game play. For the most part, these rules can
be used piecemeal at will; that is, one does not depend
on the other in order to function correctly. What rules to
include also greatly depends on what RDL level being
used, and also the tone of the campaign. Whether you
call it variant rules, alternate rules or house rules, lay
some down and expand your campaign to its fullest.
Initiative - for vehicular actions, add to
•the Mechanized
commander’s Tactics roll (see note below). Situational
awareness and a sharp mind will help here.
Note on MD: as the various skills already helps one to get a
good strike (higher MoS and thus damage) there is need to
bump the damage up further by including the skill level in the
MD trait.
Note on MIN: if only a few pilots are currently engaged in
the fray and are rolling Piloting for initiative, use the IN trait
instead.
Combat Traits
Combat is an art that tests the body in extraordinary ways,
calling upon all aspects of a person’s talents and skills in
order to survive. What gives an edge? Is it quickness, is
it resolve, is it awareness... or is it all of the above? For
this reason, sometimes a combination of Attributes best
represents their governance over certain combat skills.
Additional Actions
Skill. It’s what separates the veterans from the rookies and
the grizzled old hand from the novice hotshot. Those with
skill are better able to perform under unusual situations, to
better adapt when the pressure is on. For them, the motions
are second nature. The skill is there to line up the perfect
shot from miles away -- or to blaze away while retreating and
holding onto a ladder and still have a chance to hit anything
at all.
Under this optional rule, there are four new Secondary Traits,
and two that are changed:
COMBAT TRAITS
TRAIT
When taking multiple actions in a turn, a character is
penalized by one die off all skill/attribute rolls made during
that turn (this is instead of the standard -1 modifier applied
in SilCore). Additional actions can reduce a skill’s effective
(penalized) level into the untrained range (0 dice). If a skill
would be reduced to below the untrained range, the action
automatically fails. Emergency dice can be used as normal
in all cases, and can be used to buy the skill back up to the
untrained level or above.
CALCULATION
Close Combat
CCV
AGI + FIT
Ranged Combat
RCV
AGI + PER
Initiative
IN
PER + WIL
Melee Damage
MD
3+STR+BLD
Mechanized Init
MIN
PER + CRE
Essentially, a character acting quicker or more often in a turn
is for practical purposes reducing their skill level by acting
quicker; they are unable to perform their skills to their fullest
potential. This, of course, will impact less-skilled individuals
more so than those who have experience and a higher skill
level. This is akin to the ‘Acting Fast’ skill application, found
in section 6.4.2
Close Combat - used in all Melee and Hand to Hand
•situations
(including attacks, parry, dodges, etc). Dexterity,
speed, power and balance all play a role.
Ranged Combat - used in all Ranged situations (again,
•attacks
and defences). Reaction times and hand-eye
coordination are enhanced by quick vision and awareness.
As an example, a skill level 4 character firing a pistol 3
times would roll 2 dice each time they fired (four minus
two extra actions equals two dice). Similarly, the same
character could reload, fire twice, while manipulating
the lock on a trap door, which would incur a 2 die
penalty (simple action, three standard actions) to all
skill rolls that turn.
Initiative - used when rolling Combat Sense. All the
•knowledge
in the world will not help you without guts.
Damage - replaces the separate Unarmed Damage
•andMelee
Armed Damage (see note below).
Volume 1, Issue 1
AURORA:
core injection: variant rpg rules
Hit Locations
Remember: Do not modify the Armour Rating on these
locations, only the base Wound Thresholds Add the armour
value to those modified values.
In the base SilCore rules, there are no hit locations. For some
game styles, however, more detail may be desired, either for
flavour text, for specific injury decisions or as a more gritty and
detailed variant of SilCore combat. The standard 2 die mechanic
provides for an easy way to create a hit location chart:
Location Imparement
The use of Location Damage brings with it a particular problem:
as damage to limbs (especially the hands or feet) has a
higher wounding threshold than the norm, it is possible for a
character to be hit solidly yet not suffer any penalty performing
tasks with that limb. To account for this eventuality, whenever
damage is done to a limb is equal to the character’s base
STA (not modified for location as per Hit Locations), that body
location is said to be Impaired.
hit location chart
ROLL
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
%
2.8%
8.3%
13.4%
19.4%
25.0%
27.8%
2.8%
LOCATION
Hands
Head
Legs
Arms
Abdomen
Chest
Feet
Impaired limbs incur a -1 penalty on all actions performed with
that limb. An impaired legs halves the character’s movement
rate, in addition to all other effects. Any heavy exertion on the
limb requires a HEA test against a Threshold of 4; if the test is
failed, the character suffers a point to their system shock track
and the limb becomes Disabled (below).
For further detail an additional single-die roll can be used to
determine whether the left or right side was hit: odd indicates
left side, even even indicates right.
If a limb suffers an Impaired result twice, or suffers two times
base STA in one hit, the limb is said to be Disabled. Using
the limb becomes extremely difficult (and painful), imposing
a -2 penalty to all actions. Disabled legs force the character
to crawl, and standing without support is considered exertion.
Even light exertion on the limb requires a HEA test against a
Threshold of 4; if the test is failed, the character suffers two
points to their system shock track.
Location Damage
Appropriate mostly for gritty campaigns, hit locations can
further be used to modify the damage done to a character’s
System Shock track. This is done by modifying the wound
thresholds for each body location, as follows:
Note that these penalties are cumulative with all other
penalties, including System Shock. Thus, if a character is
suffering from an abdomen flesh wound, an impaired hand
and an impaired arm, any pistol fire from that hand would
suffer a -3 penalty (and if the pistol is of heavy enough calibre,
it may force a HEA test from the exertion).
damage modification by location
LOCATION
Chest
Abdomen
Head
Hands
Arms
Feet
Legs
MODIFY BY...
1x
1x
0.5x
2x
1.75x
2x
1.5x
Continuing Damage
Characters are heroes. They are meant to go on even when
others would have fallen (and fallen messily). Continuing
Damage removes the Overkill effect for PCs (and possibly
important NPCs). Overkill simply follows the progression with
a three hits to the System Shock track.
Apply the multiplier to the character’s STA, using the modified
STA to determine the wound thresholds. Record these values
on the character sheet for reference during play.
Volume 1, Issue 1
At (minumum) -3, the characters may not be doing much of
anything, but they’re still alive... for the time being.
�
HEAVY GEAR BLITZ!
(BETA VERSION 2.0)
1
AURORA:
Blood for the prophet
Owen O ′ connel
Introduction
When Heavy Gear was created over 10 years ago, the style of game design was to try and
make the most realistic system possilbe. Games were played using hex maps with endless
combat tables and tons of dice roll modifiers.
A decade later, the miniature game hobby is now more popular than ever. We felt it was time
to bring the game to a new level, to make it more in tune with the current trend: little or no
book-keeping, large armies, in-scale gaming with cool terrain, competitive play, etc.
“You are watching SNS- Sorrento News Service™Current. Objective. Moral. News for today’s
Norlights.”
time regarding the intentions of the battle group, but the NAF
commander has ordered the pilgrims to stop their advance until
the situation can be resolved. We will bring you more on this
story as information becomes available. Thom?”
The Blitz! rules take all the best parts of the famous SilCORE system and do away with the
small details. The fluid combat round structure allows for dynamic interractions, where small
number of units act at a time and are allowed to interrupt each other,
leaving less downtime for each players during the game. The whole
attack procedure was revised: modifiers were moved, ranges were
tweeked, and in the end you now only have three modifiers to factor
in your attack roll! New Blitz Datacards now list all the Attack and
Defense modifiers, and the New Blitz! counters keep track of
movement, damage and special actions.
We also revised the Infantry rules and simplified to whole ammunition system to its simplest
form. A new 4 level damage system, inspired from Lighting Strike, was created and we gave
each and every Perk and Flaw a game effect.
Thom Hartman: “Welcome back! As part of our continuing
coverage of this month’s blessed pilgrimage from Sorrento to
the Holy City, we now take you live to Carli Tsang, for part five of
her series: ‘In the Footsteps of the Prophet.’ Carli?”
TH: “That’s incredible, Carli! What’s the feeling amongst the
pilgrims on the ground?”
All of these changes allow for faster and larger battles, using bigger and move
varied armies. With Terra Nova's many warring factions the battles will never
end. From the War of the Alliance to the Interpolar War, and don't forget Peace
River! The Earth's time will come...
In short, Blitz! is a brand new way to play the Heavy Gear miniature battles.
The best in giant robot gaming just keeps getting better!
WWW.DP9.COM
CT: “Confusion and disappointment seem to describe the mood
here right now Thom. Speculation is inevitable that the MILICIA
is somehow trying to interfere with the pilgrimage. I’ve just gotten
word that the NAF commander has radioed to Colonel Fulan
in Massada for backup. The pilgrims cannot alter their course,
especially not after coming so close to Massada. However, it
seems that the MILICIA is completely unwilling to stand down.”
Dream Pod 9
5000 Iberville, Suite 332
Montreal, Quebec, H2H2S6
Canada
Writers: Philippe F. LeClerc, Robert Dubois
Carli Tsang: “It’s been a difficult few weeks here with the
pilgrims, Thom. Karaq is one of the most inhospitable places
on Terra Nova; and these devout Norlights are discovering firsthand what sort of man crossed this desert four hundred and forty
seven years ago. Of course, these pilgrims are not without food
and water as the Prophet was. Nor are they without protectionthe NAF’s 18th Regiment, the renowned Blue Angels, are here
accompanying the pilgrims against any potential threats.”
Additional Contributors:: Jonathan Bresse, John Buckmaster, Jason Willenberg
Copyright 2006 Dream Pod 9, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1
TH: “Official sources are claiming that the MILICIA is engaged in
a containment operation involving an alleged rover group—”
“For security reasons, the NAF has declined an interview
with Blue Angels personnel until after the conclusion of the
pilgrimage. However, I did get a chance to speak with Sister
Delyah Vargas of the Peregrine Order of Cantara, a friend and
mentor to Colonel Fulan of the Angels.”
CT: “Hold on one moment Thom- by the prophet- Shots have
been fired! I’ve just heard what sounded like a cannon of some
sort! I’m being ordered by the NAF escort to cease transmission.
I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be able to—”
CT: “Thank you for finding time to speak with SNS, Sister
Delyah.”
TH: “We apologize, but we seem to be having technical
difficulties. We’ll be back with Carli Tsang and the latest on this
unexpected standoff in the Holy Land as soon as we reestablish
contact. Now a word from our sponsor...”
Sister Delyah: “Thank you, Ms. Tsang, for speaking with me.”
CT: “The Blue Angels have always been associated with the
defense of Massada, an image often extended to the defense
of Revisionism itself. This pilgrimage in particular has seen a
drastic increase in the size of the escort. Does this imply that
the NAF anticipates some sort of Republican aggression, either
towards Massada or the pilgrimage itself?”
SD: “They do not anticipate any violence, Ms. Tsang.
Historically, pilgrimage has been a rather dangerous enterprise
and we must put the safety of the pilgrims first. The first role of
the military escort is making certain that the pilgrims have the
necessary supplies to survive in Karaq. Beyond that, wildlife and
opportunistic bandits pose a far more immediate threat to the
pilgrimage. Despite recent tensions, the Republic would have
little to gain from a hostile act against such a peaceful mission
as—”
CT: “Sorry for the interruption, Sister Delyah, but I’ve just
received word that a MILICA battle group has been spotted
just two kilometers west of our current location, in the Bethaven
Pass. The pass lies on the northern edge of Karaq, and is a
crucial leg of the pilgrimage’s itinerary. No official word at this
Volume 1, Issue 1
AURORA:
blood for the prophet
Heavy Gear Blitz! Scenario
The Honor Guard automatically becomes the Command Squad
of the NAF. The commander is Colonel Neel Garner Fulan, a
noted officer who served in the War of Alliance. Colonel Fulan
has the following skills: Attack 3, Defense 4, EW 2, Leadership 4.
This costs 35 TV and replaces the army commander presented
on pg.49 of the Blitz Rulebook.
Situation: 16.SP.35: A pilgrim caravan bound for Massada
encounters a MILICIA force blocking their path. The pilgrimage
includes several high-profile Norlight citizens, and is thus escorted
by the renowned NAF 18th “Blue Angels” Regiment. Despite
repeated radio warnings to maintain distance from the caravan,
the MILICIA commander refuses to stand down. Unfazed by
the demands of “a rabble of religious fanatics”, the MILICIA
battle group’s orders are to hold at their current coordinates
and await further orders. Just then, an insubordinate group of
Convict Jäger pilots decides to make trouble by provoking the
Norlight force. The unauthorized attack on the pilgrims incites a
righteous retaliation.
The Command Squad is automatically held in reserve until
turn 2. During the turn 1, use the highest available leadership
for command points command points, leadership and initiative
rolls.
The MILICIA forces are constructed from the Blitz Field Guide,
using the Convict (Gear) army type. One Convict Cadre may
be placed in the Neutral deployment zone. This Cadre is
Insubordinate (see scenario rules) and must have valid LoS to
the NAF.
What you need to play: The scenario has been designed with
a variable Threat Value, so it can be played with an army of any
size. Both players should agree on a TV for the scenario ahead
in advance.
Location: The Karaq Wastes 18.5 km east of Massada
The Heavy Gear Blitz! rulebook is essential for play. You
will need a number of Northern and Southern Heavy Gear
miniatures, compatible with the Blitz rules (1/144 scale). The
scenario also includes pilgrims which are easily represented
by Heavy Gear Infantry miniatures. The Behemoth transport
vehicles are available as paper models in this issue of Aurora,
with special thanks to Paul Lesack. Terrain effects appropriate
to the Badlands location (Blitz p.66) are recommended, but not
essential.
Terrain Type: Badlands, Broken Ground (1/2 table rough
terrain or hills with 2 elevation changes). Terrain effects should
be arranged to create a clear path leading through the table’s
center, representing the Bethaven Pass which the Pilgrims must
traverse to reach Massada.
Weather/Lighting Conditions: Clear/Daylight or randomly
determined (Blitz Rulebook p. 68). For dramatic purposes,
experienced players may wish to use the “Sandstorm” Weather
condition.
Use of Hammers of Faith - Armies of the North (DP9-9031)
and the optional Morale rules is encouraged but not mandatory,
alternate rules are presented.
NAF Objective: as Breakthrough with the following:
Victory Points Gained:
(1) Pilgrims units that reach the far edge of the MILICIA
deployment zone are removed from the game, add their full TV
in Victory Points.
(2) Pilgrim units that reach any other edge of the battlefield are
removed from play, but not destroyed.
Force Construction: Norlight Armed Forces vs. Southern
MILICIA.
The NAF player should construct a Blue Angels Regiment army
as detailed in Hammers of Faith - Armies of the North (DP99031). This player must choose the Honor Guard squad in place
of a single General Purpose Squad. If Hammers of Faith is not
available, use the Northern Guard “Gear” army type from the
Blitz Rulebook. One general purpose squad is replaced with an
Honor Guard squad consisting of five Jaguars for 300 TV. The
squad has the same skills and options as a Veteran General
Purpose Squad, except it must be composed of only Jaguars.
Volume 1, Issue 1
Victory Points Lost:
(1) Pilgrim units destroyed cost double their value in victory
points.
Morale Notes: High Priority Mission. Each time a pilgrim unit is
destroyed, all NAF combat groups accrue +1 morale, regardless
of their distance from the unit destroyed.
AURORA:
blood for the prophet
MILICIA Objective: as Rearguard with the following:
Victory Points Gained:
(1) Insubordinate cadre brought under control with Leadership
roll adds the Convict Cadre’s TV.
(2) Insubordinate cadre bought under control by southern
attacks is worth 1/2 cadre’s TV.
Scenario Rules:
The Pilgrims (Non-Combatant Groups)
Prior to the standard set-up phase, place a number of pilgrim
“combat groups” in the NAF deployment zone. One group
consists of 2 “Infantry Sections” and a Behemoth transport. For
every 1000 TV, add an additional group of identical composition.
All transports must be oriented facing the MILICIA player’s
deployment zone. The “Infantry Sections” may enter the
transport as per the Transport perk, but begin play outside of
the transport.
Victory Points Lost:
(1) Every Pilgrim unit destroyed deducts its TV in Victory points.
MILICIA command doesn’t condone the dishonorable slaughter
of civilians.
(2)If any Insubordinate Convict Cadre remains out of control at
the end of the game, you lose twice its value in VPs.
Revisionist Pilgrims
Infantry skill 1
Armor 4
Move 2/4 0 0 0
TV
20
Morale Notes: Normal Priority Mission
Game Length: Determined normally (Blitz Rulebook p.70)
The group is controlled by the NAF at no additional TV cost.
Activation of this group occurs during the Miscellaneous Events
phase- they are completely unarmed and cannot ram enemy
units. The NAF may spend command points on units in this
group as normal. The pilgrims will likely spend their actions
defensively, taking cover (going hull down) or running away
(evasive maneuvers). Each pilgrim combat group counts as
costing 155 TV for purposes of calculating Victory Points.
Tactical Stance: Both sides select a tactical stance as per the
Blitz Rulebook (p. 71)
Deployment Zones: Use the “Deep” deployment chart found
on pg.71 of the the Blitz Rulebook. Terrain should be arranged
to so that the shorter edges of the table remain open.
Convict Units (Insubordination)
At the start of the game, a single MILICIA Convict Cadre is
insubordinate. They are the first combat group to activate
each round, regardless of initiative, for as long as they remain
insubordinate. This does not count as the South activating a unit.
On an insubordinate Cadre’s activation, roll 1d6. On a result of
1-2, they attack the nearest Pilgrim unit. On a result of 2-3, they
attack the nearest MILICIA combat group. On a result of 5-6
they attack the nearest NAF combat group. Repeat this at the
beginning of each turn until one of the following:
New Vehicles:
BEHEMOTH
2
12
2
+0
4
0
3
3
3
3
18
3
3
3
3
3
3
M
oveMent
things
: searchlight, transPort
Perks
/Flaws
(t
rooPs
, normally
Vehicles)
aux systems: lsP
1) MILICIA commander may spend one action to make a
Leadership (7) test. Success causes the Convict group to resume
normal rules. If the roll fails, the convicts remain insubordinate.
If the roll fails by a margin of failure of 3 or more, one additional
convict cadre becomes insubordinate (until none remain). This
action is subject to enemy ECM.
TV: 115
2)Under the optional Morale rules, if the Cadre is Demoralized
by attacks from NAF or MILICIA forces, the it resumes normal
behavior.
Volume 1, Issue 1
Odyssey SEED
EPISODE #1: DREAMS OF PHANTOMS
INTRODUCTION
Odyssey SEED
By Nicholas Pilon
What is it?
Odyssey SEED is a rewrite of the Odyssey, the original Jovian Chronicles campaign published in the
Green Book way back in 1993. Yes, that’s where it all began. While it was an excellent campaign for its
time, times have changed. The Jovian Chronicles universe has been fleshed out a lot since then, in the
White and Blue books, and RPGs have developed a lot in ten years. So, just as the basic story of Gundam
has been retold many times since the original Mobile Suit Gundam first aired over twenty years ago, with
each incarnation building upon what had been learned in the development of the shows that cam before,
I felt that it’d be worthwhile to rewrite and update the Odyssey.
Campaign Assumptions
The Odyssey SEED writeup assumes that the players are playing JAF exo-armor/fighter pilots, JIS agents, reporters, or
one of the other standard archetypes. Some mix of the above three would work and could provide a good variety of skills,
but this would also require the GM to put a wider variety of action in the episodes and possibly split the party more.
Campaign Format
Each episode is centered around a general scenario, such as protecting Elysee station or rescuing a scientist from the
grips of CEGA. The general scenario is all that should really be considered fixed about the episode. After that, a list
of sample plot points and NPCs are provided. These should be considered mere suggestions - NPCs and plot points
that I think work well for the scenario. Often, a given NPC or plot point will have more than one use suggested, both to
give GMs more ideas and keep any players reading this on their toes. Some, like Ranho Garand, will take more work
to replace than others, like Yanna Summers.
Thanks To
* Gerald Rodberg, for the original Dragonstriker stats that I then mutilated to better suit my purposes.
* Joseph Riggs, for picking apart every single episode.
* Julian Fong, for his help on Episodes 3, 4, and 5.
* Nelson Eisel, Jeffery Watkins, and “Evil Dr Ganymede”, for their suggestions for Episode 5.
* Pierre Borque, for his help with Episode 2 and generally convincing me to pick up JC in the first place.
* John Buckmaster, for helping me brainstorm for the rewrite and sanity-checking my vehicle stats.
* Marc A. Vezina, for creating Jovian Chronicles and the original Odyssey campaign.
* Terry Pratchett, for Night Watch. Freedom, Truth, Justice, Reasonably-Priced Love, and a Hard-Boiled Egg.
AURORA Edition
By Oliver Bollmann
The adventure that started it all! Aurora will present Odyssey SEED in five episodes plus the Mechanical Catalogue
over the next few issues. Grab your intrigue, strap into your exo-suit and prepare for the quintissential Jovian Chronicles
adventure.
1
#1:
DREAMS
OF
EPISODE ONE
EPISODE
PHANTOMS
The Venusians have been conducting illegal technology tests and expeditions into the Jovian
atmosphere from a secret base orbiting close in to the gas giant. The high pressures and
composition of the Jovian atmosphere combined with the powerful radiation and magnetic fields
provide an excellent test environment for high-performance vehicles. The same magnetic fields
and radiation effectively hide them from any watching eyes above. In the course of this work,
they have discovered the Floaters - strange aliens in the Jovian atmosphere, attracted by the
emissions of Dr. Peyjare’s CAT system.
These Venusians have captured several of these strange aliens and shipped them off to secure
labs in Venusian orbit for further examination. Tests have confirmed the bizarre properties of
the creatures, and the base has received orders to retrieve more specimens. This work has
been delayed by the need to refurbish their prototype CAT-equipped exo-armors and probes descending that far into the Jovian atmosphere puts the machines under incredible stress.
The players should somehow be involved in finding and eliminating the Venusian research
station, code-named Slumbering Eidolon. This discovery and operation forms the foundation
for the rest of the campaign, so the players should play an important role in the discovery or
elimination of the station.
►CHARACTER INVOLVEMENT
JAF pilots are the easiest to involve at this stage. They can easily be central to the discovery or
destruction of the station. They could discover it by finding a supply or courier ship headed there
during a patrol, or stumble across a supporting organization on a Jovian colony. If you choose to
have them take place in the assault, remember that the Valiant has not yet been built and that
Athenas and Javelins are very, very rare. The assault force would most probably consist of two or
three Thunderbolts and at most one Javelin or Athena. The ships would most likely be escorted
by a small number of Pathfinders and Retaliators.
JIS agents and reporters are harder to integrate with the destruction of the station, but are more
easily involved in the discovery process. Slumbering Eidolon could have a support organization
based on one of the Jovian stations, to procure or ship supplies and provide emergency rescue
if necessary. The PCs could stumble upon it in the course of another investigation and follow up,
resulting in the discovery of Slumbering Eidolon. JAF pilots could, of course, also be involved
here, but the GM has to remember that they will probably be much less skilled in the relevant
areas than JIS agents or reporters. This is, of course, completely in-genre, as mecha pilots wind
up out of their depths in such situations all the time. A good location for the support organization
would be the largely lawless Joshua’s Station.
If the party consists mainly of JIS agents, it might be a good idea for the Agora to decide to
capture Slumbering Eidolon instead of destroying it. Even JAF pilots can be integrated here,
if they can pilot exo-suits. Of course, this doesn’t mean they’ll be successful in capturing the
station - a hurried scramble as a self-destruct timer counts down and bulkheads slam shut is just
as exciting as an action-packed firefight in the command center, after all.
2
EPISODE ONE
►NPCS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PLOT POINTS
Devon Malachai
Suggested Stereotype: Specialist or Expert
Suggested Archtype: Official
Devon Malachai is always a useful individual when one needs a villain for a shadowy Venusian operation.
This rewrite of the Odyssey gives the GM an opportunity to foster his hatred for and involvement with the
player characters from an earlier date for extended campaigns. His scheming and manipulative nature
makes him an excellent villain for an intrigue adventure revolving around Slumbering Eidolon’s support
organization. As a former Ronin operative or HDF pilot, depending on the needs of your plot, Malachai
can also be an opponent for pilot characters. He would think nothing of getting his hands dirty to crush
those who foil his plans, though he usually prefers to operate from behind the scenes.
There are several covers that could be used to explain Malachai’s presence in Jovian space. The simplest
is that he is using no cover at all - he was slipped onto Slumbering Eidolon and resides there in secret.
While this works well for a shadowy figure pulling strings, it doesn’t work as well if some interaction with
the PCs is desired. Towards this end, Malachai could be “assigned” to the Elysee or Joshua’s Station
Bank branch offices as some sort of executive or manager, directing Slumbering Eidolon’s operations
from behind this facade. Given the lack of living space in the Jovian habitats, he doesn’t even have to do
much work to slip away when his real work demands his attention. Being a Bank official, he can easily
afford to reside aboard a private yacht.
GMs should try to avoid killing Malachai if at all possible, as he’s very useful later in the campaign, and
in future campaigns.
Avram Thorsen
Suggested Stereotype: Veteran
Suggested Archtype: Soldier
The GM can (and probably should) use this adventure to introduce Thorsen, who is still the
trusted and admired head of the JAF at this point. Since the players won’t be coming back to the
Jovian system for a good, long while, this provides an excellent opportunity to provide a contrast
for Thorsen’s future. Thorsen could step in once the nature of the players’ discovery becomes
apparent and (covertly) try to redirect them or delay them long enough for the Venusians to
escape or destroy evidence. He could also aid the players, only to turn against them later in the
campaign. The exact nature of Throsen’s betrayal and who was paying him have never been
revealed, so the GM should feel free to use whatever is convenient.
Throughout the rest of the campaign, Thorsen should be a distant presence, sending orders
and encouragement. He won’t be mentioned in any of the other write-ups, as he has no real
involvement with the action. Though he can be used to get things moving, by hooking the PCs
up with contacts or JIS agents.
Project Dragonstriker
Dragonstriker is the top-secret CEGA program to develop next-generation exo-weapons systems,
to provide an edge against the advanced weapons of the Confederation. The prototypes produced
so far push the envelope of even what Jovian exo-engineering can achieve. This is thanks in part
to the collection of skilled scientists assembled by CEGA (some willing, some not), but also to
assistance provided by Venusian technicians and engineers.
3
EPISODE ONE
The real power of the project comes from the CAT and Rapid-Scan systems, developed by Dr.
Peyarje. These highly advanced systems allow a pilot to control an exo-armor with his mind alone
and absorb the information from the machine’s sensors directly. While powerful, these systems
are also extremely primitive and expensive. At this point, only an exceptionally disciplined pilot can
utilize them, and adapting sensors and control systems to interface with them is difficult. Several
early prototypes, employing both human- and AI-controlled CAT and Rapid-Scan systems, are
being stress-tested by the Venusians at their Slumbering Eidolon station, as a favour to their
CEGA allies.
At this point in the campaign, Dragonstriker should be a mystery wrapped in an enigma
surrounded by uncertanty. The early prototypes aboard Slumbering Eidolon incorporate some
of the project’s developments, but bear a much greater resemblance to traditional exo-armors
than to the Dragonstriker prototype. Most are equipped with early (and thus, very hard to use)
versions of the CAT/Rapid-scan systems, if they carry them at all. These are recognizable as
implementations of Peyarje’s cyber-linkage technology, but without the genius that constructed
them, their secrets will remain locked away.
Project Methuselah
Deep in the Jovian atmosphere during the stress tests of the prototype exos, the Venusian
personnel of Slumbering Eidolon found something they did not expect. Strange, jellyfish-like
lifeforms, drifting on the currents of gas and feeding off Jupiter’s magnetic fields and radiation.
The creatures were skittish and fast, but also strangely attracted to the emanations of the CAT/
Rapid-scan prototypes. Several specimens were captured and secretly shipped out to Venus,
probably several months before this episode began.
Secret dissection and examination (possibly aboard Station VII) revealed two surprises. The first
was that, like humans, the creatures were DNA-based organisms. The second was that they
survived in the intense and hostile environment of Jupiter through a remarkable regenerative
mechanism that repaired the damage from radiation and aging. This lead to the creation of
Project Methuselah by the Venus Bank. Even though it was a blatant violation of the Edicts, the
lure of artificial life was too tempting for the Bank’s executives to ignore.
Unfortunately, all efforts to duplicate their regenerative mechanism proved futile, and the
laboratory life of a Floater is extremely short. Orders were quickly sent to Slumbering Eidolon
demanding more specimens, along with the authority to requisition the spare parts needed to
refit the prototypes for another descent to the high-pressure areas where the Floaters dwell.
These parts shipments could easily be what tip the players/Jovians off to Slumbering Eidolon’s
existence.
The Jovians have no idea that the Floaters exist. The Bank is aware of the importance of the
operation and the damage Slumbering Eidolon’s capture could do to it, so there is little information
about the creatures aboard the station. There might be information about the initial encounter in
a prototype’s logs, or strange, unexplained, pictures in the station mainframe. No more than a
hint that something unusual is going on
4
EPISODE ONE
Slumbering Eidolon
Slumbering Eidolon is a secret Venusian research station, orbiting very close-in to Jupiter itself.
The station uses Jupiter’s intense magnetic fields and radiation to hide from prying eyes, and
contains a number of small laboratories where Venus tests Edicts-violating technology and other
things it shouldn’t have. The station’s staff is small - a dozen each of scientists, technicians, test
pilots, and security personnel. The station itself is very nearly an Edicts violation. It has incredibly
strong screens, to keep out sudden radiation storms, and an impressive computer network, to
store and process all the information gathered by the tests. Most of the station is currently given
over to testing CAT-equipped exo-armors or retrieving more Floater creatures.
The PCs should be involved in the discovery and elimination of Slumbering Eidolon. Being so
close to Jupiter, it probably has a support organization on one of the Jovian stations. Its relative
lawlessness and heavy traffic seem to make Joshua’s Station a natural choice, though any
could do in a pinch. This organization would provide Slumbering Eidolon with the food and
other consumables its crew needs, the parts needed to keep it operating, and materials for the
experiments being run. The players could stumble across this - most likely literally, in the case
of JAF pilots. For reporters or JIS agents, their discovery could be more elegant. They could
discover the support organization in the course of an existing investigation, or find a trial of clues
leading to it as part of a routine data review.
If possible, the PCs should also be involved in the destruction or capture of Slumbering Eidolon.
The station has some decent defenses, including a PDS, a couple of capital weapon batteries
(probably KKCs), and the prototype exo-armors being tested there. This is, as mentioned above,
ideal for pilot PCs. Reporters and JIS agents could be involved in fighting (or reporting on) a
battle through the corridors, as the Jovian forces try to take the control room before the Venusians
can arm the self-destruct. They could also be involved in the aftermath, put to work extracting
information from the station’s systems/personnel. Or, if more tension is desired, they could be
doing so while the battle rages on, trying to get what they can before the Venusians scuttle the
station.
The Jovians could, at the GM’s discretion, capture some or all of the station’s memory core.
This should, however, provide only hints of what the Bank is up to - nothing that could do more
than arouse the JIS’ suspicions. There should also be nothing that can conclusively connect it to
Venus. Though there should be enough to work out what the Venusians were doing. (Exo-armor
tests in the upper Jovian atmosphere)
►TIMING AND OBJECTIVES
This adventure should be a short one; four or five sessions at most. Get the players used to the system,
technology, their characters, and their home. Introduce some hints about the bigger machinations of
Operation Methuselah, and possibly a long-term subplot or villain. And, as always, kick off some
character-based subplots! Though don’t do anything too dependent on things or people that will be
stuck in Jovian space, as the players will be taking off for Venus at the start of the next episode.
5
EPISODE ONE
►NEXT EPISODE
The Jovians, of course, shouldn’t be able to find any conclusive evidence linking Slumbering
Eidolon to Venus. They should, however, find evidence of CAT system research, prompting
closer consideration of Dr. Peyarje’s request for asylum. (See Episode #2 for more details) This
will lead to the players, already involved and familiar with what is rapidly becoming a highly
classified and sensitive situation, being dispatched to Venus to investigate the hints of Venusian
involvement in Slumbering Eidolon and to free Peyarje from the hands of CEGA.
►TRANSITION NOTES
Those familiar with the original Green Book Odyssey will note that I’ve smushed episodes one
(Mystery Ship) and two (The Workshop of the God of War) together. The primary reason is that
I never really liked the idea of Venusians operating in Jupiter’s atmosphere from a hidden base
in Martian orbit. Or a passenger liner being used to transport top-secret exo parts. I think this
works better..
►TECHNOLOGY NOTES
The early prototypes being tested at Slumbering Eidolon will probably by Wyvernstrikers, or
Syreens with similar modifications. They will definitely have the HEP: Extreme Pressure and CAT
packs. One or two should have the beam cannon equipment.
The CAT/Rapid-Scan System
This revolutionary system, developed by Dr. Agram Peyarje, allows an exo-armor pilot to process
sensor information and control his machine with his mind, eliminating the need for a linear
frame. Not only does this make the exo more responsive and improves the efficiency of the
sensor systems, it allows the linear frame to be replaced with a “g-cockpit”. This provides more
acceleration protection for the pilot, allowing more powerful PCCs and maneuvering motors to
be used safely.
Early versions of the CAT, like those used on the Dragonstriker, should be a Thought Interface:
Mind Link, Unshielded system affecting one crew with a WIL threshold of 5 or 6. Really early
prototypes could have a threshold as high as 7. Later versions, like those built into the Prometheus,
should have a threshold of 4 or 5. It should add +1 or +2 to the sensor rating, and 2-4 km to the
sensor range. Maneuver should be increased by one.
Unlike a normal Thought Interface system, if the pilot of a CAT-equipped vehicle fails their WIL
roll, they loose their maneuver and sensor bonus. They also gain the Ineffecient Controls flaw.
6
EPISODE ONE
CEA-05X WYVERNSTRIKER
The Wyvernstriker was a test platform used by the Dragonstriker project in the early stages
of its research. Instead of constructing a prototype from scratch, the team modified existing
Wyvern units to test out subsystems before incorporating them into the Dragonstriker itself.
Most were officially listed as destroyed, but were in fact handed over to Venus and shipped off
to Slumbering Eidolon. The modifications will generally be very obvious to any sort of detailed
scan or visual observation.
To convert a Wyvern to a Wyvernstriker, add one or more of:
* CAT Prototype: Thought Interface: Mind Link (1 crew, WIL Threshold 6 or 7), add
+1 to Sensor rating, +2 to Sensor range, and +1 to Maneuver.
* Continuous-Fire Beam Cannon (replace LACW-8):
Qty
Name
Type Arc
Acc
1
Cont-Fire Beam Cannon Energy F
-1
HEAT, Haywire, AD(2)
DM
x30
BR
4
RoF
+0
Ammo
6
Note that the Continuous-Fire Beam Cannon is NOT Hand-held. Because of the mass of
the weapon, it has to be integrated into the Wyvernstriker’s shoulder.
* Armor +5 or Ablative Armor +10 and HEP: High Pressure
7
�
HEAVY GEAR BLITZ!
(BETA VERSION 2.0)
1
AURORA:
paper model: behemoth
paul lesack
Introduction
Northco NV-225 Behemoth
CNCS Armoured Gear Transport
If you’re printing the model out on an inkjet printer, be aware that
many inkjet inks are water soluble. To prevent any unseemly
runs, spray your printed sheets with Testor’s Dullcote, which
will act as a fixative on the ink.
The size of a small building (or maybe a large residence), the
Behemoth transport can transport and repair gears in the field.
Its large sensor profile makes it an easy target, so the crew
has a tendency to avoid combat if at all possible. Despite its
large size and high visibility, the 99th Heavy Gear Regiment
(Blue Angels) still paint their Behemoths in their blue and
yellow dress colours.
1. Hubs
The hubs and wheels are the most time consuming parts, and
arguably the most difficult to assemble. Work in assembly line
fashion for best results. Curve the spiral pieces with a pencil
or brush handle, and glue the ends together to form a ring.
Glue the small circle to the top of the cone, and brush on
glue on the inside to make a nice filleted joint. When the all
the parts are dry, glue the larger circles to the cone. You can
apply glue along the seam with a brush as well. The glue will
be transparent, and the hubs will be on the underside of the
model anyway.
WWW.DP9.COM
Dream Pod 9
Canada
1
Equipment needed:
Sharp knife (and spare blades)
Ruler, preferably steel
PVA Glue (Lepage Bond Fast, Elmer’s, etc.)
Brush for applying glue (not the sable hair one used for detailing
painted models)
Tweezers for holding and clamping small parts
Stretched sprue for making struts for the visor
2. Wheels
The wheels go together the same way as the hubs. Form a
ring with the tire, and then fold and glue the outward facing
side first. Glue on the inside and set aside to dry. Fold and
complete as per the hubs above.
Tips and tricks for assembling your paper model:
Important:
Make sure you have “fit to page” turned off when printing your
model, or the Behemoth will not print out to scale!
3. Complete wheel assembly
Each hub needs to be glued to a wheel. The seam of the wheel
is the bottom, as it’s both darker (in shadow) and quite likely
slightly flatter because of the join. The flat part also gives the
wheel a weighted appearance. Glue the hub to the inside of
the wheel, with the seam of the hub facing up (diametrically
opposed to the wheel seam). This seam will be hidden by the
main body of the Behemoth. Repeat five more times until you
have six wheels.
Score all the folds before cutting out your model. Use something
that will not cut the paper (actual paper scoring tools are
available), such as an empty ball-point pen or a small metal
crochet hook. Avoid using a knife to score -- this will seriously
weaken the paper and show white lines at every seam.
Use the tabs on the model as a suggestion only. Depending
on the thickness of the paper you’re using, you may not need
some or all of the tabs. If the tab seems to deform the piece,
remove it and glue it on the edges, or make a separate tab out
of a piece of paper to put on the inside.
3. Chassis
The chassis forms the core to which all the parts are glued, so
assemble it very carefully. It’s pretty much a box with sloping
ends, but the top has a section that’s notched in the front. When
gluing together, make sure that the top, bottom and sides form
a nice, right angled box shape. Pressing the chassis gently
against a flat surface like a tabletop while it’s drying can help
get the perfect shape.
Colour the edges of the model with markers (greyscale markers
are ideal) or paint to hide the white edges. Doing this before
any assembly takes place is much easier than trying to do it on
a completed model.
4. Main Body
The main body is simply a box with tapered sides. The rightangled side faces the front. As with the chassis, gently pressing
the model against a flat surface will ensure that all the angles
are correct. You may wish to cut off the front face entirely and
put in your own small paper tabs (leaving an open hole for the
front).
If you think some faces of a part are unnecessary, cut them
off and discard. It’s difficult to know what thickness of paper all
modellers will be using, so the model is designed for relatively
thin paper. Removing some faces may make it somewhat
easier (for example, on the radiator grille).
Work in sub-assemblies, and use an assembly line approach
if making multiple identical parts. For example, glue one or two
faces together on each identical part, rather than completing
one part and moving on to the next. This will allow the glue to
dry, giving you a stronger model.
Volume 1, Issue 1
5. Cabin
There are four folds on the cabin which are valley folds (i.e.,
the folds are towards themselves) -- these folds are marked
AURORA:
paper model: behemoth
with a dotted line. Begin assembling by gluing the roof line
to the sides. Then glue the lower sections of the doors to the
sides. To get a nice join, you may wish to remove the three
tabs on each side on the middle section, and replace them
with paper tabs glued to the inside of the cab. This will insure
a nice, smooth seam on the outside. Glue the underside of the
cab to the sides. Finally, glue the back flap to the back of the
cab, making sure it is as flat as possible. Or, you may wish to
cut this whole back face off.
face being glued to the cabin. Glue the completed assembly
to the cabin, with the assembly being centred horizontally, but
just slightly up from the bottom (i.e., not flush with the bottom
of the cabin).
13. Upper Light Bar
The upper light bar is a box with one sloping side (the white
one) which is glued to the model. Glue the light bar to the
sloping front face, about 2mm up from the bottom of the second
coffered section.
6. Basic Assembly
The cabin, main body and chassis glue together to form the
core of the Behemoth. The notch on the top of the chassis
faces forward, and the cab is very slightly lower than the main
body. It is possible that the front of the chassis will not actually
touch the front part of the cab, because of the thickness of the
cardstock used. If the flaps from the cabin and main body are
removed, the fit will be much better, but the structural strength
of the model will be greatly reduced. In practice, the chassis
is largely invisible because it’s on the underside of the model,
and if you’re planning on using the model as a gaming piece,
leaving all the faces as is recommended.
14. Rear Bumper
The rear bumper is a long box. The safety strip faces the top.
Glue the completed bumper to the chassis assembly (there’s
a small flat bit just for the bumper)
15. Doors
The doors are straightforward wedge-shaped pieces. You
may wish to remove the entire back face but, like the cabin and
main body, if you leave them in the model will be significantly
stronger. The doors will go together more easily if you glue the
faces assembly line fashion instead of completing one door
before moving on to the other.
7. Axles
There are three axles, all identical. They are boxes with a
sloping bottom (the pointy side faces down). Glue the axles
to the chassis. There are three faint guidelines marked on the
chassis to indicate the position of the axles. Centre the axles
over the lines.
16. Final Body Assembly
Glue the completed doors to the main body of the Behemoth,
making sure that the thin edge of the wedge is flush with the
lower edge of the body. The doors are numbered, but their
arrangement is optional. It’s rumoured that the 99th randomly
numbers their doors to confuse the enemy.
8. Turret
The turret is a tiny cylinder. The black dot faces forward.
17. Visor
Fold the visor piece in half and glue the halves together (to
form a double-sided piece). While the glue is still wet, fold the
edge of the visor over to form a right angle. Allow to dry. If you
wait until the glue is dry to bend the visor, the cardstock may
crack.
9. Turret Mount
The turret mount forms a pyramidal shape, with the square
facing the top
10. Turret Assembly
Glue the mount to the front of the Behemoth. The location is
noted by a faint V shape. Make sure the turret assembly top is
flush with the top of the Behemoth. Glue the turret to the mount
and roof of the model.
18. Final Wheel Assembly
Glue the wheels onto the axles and chassis. Vertical alignment
can be made slightly easier by aligning the middle horizontal
treads with the base of the chassis. Make sure that the seam
of the wheel is facing down. Make sure you use sufficient glue
to support the entire model when it is turned upright.
11.Radiator Grille and Light Assembly
Depending on your cardstock, the faces in white and tabs may
not be needed. Glue the sides of the assembly together from
the inside first, making sure that all the angles are maintained.
Glue the back together (if using). Glue the entire assembly to
the front of the cab. The longer notched piece (when looking
from the side) is the top.
19. Visor assembly
Glue the edge of the visor to the edge of the cab at a slight
angle (i.e., angling up from the roof line). When the visor has
dried in its final position, cut two pieces of stretched sprue (or
whatever other strut material you would like) to the right length,
and glue underneath the visor.
12. Lower Light Bar
The lower light bar goes together as a prism, with the white
Volume 1, Issue 1
10
Blue Angels Behemoth -- Page 1
Volume 1, Issue 1
11
Blue Angels Behemoth -- Page 2
Volume 1, Issue 1
12
Desert Cammo Behemoth -- Page 1
Volume 1, Issue 1
13
Desert Brown Behemoth -- Page 2
Volume 1, Issue 1
14
Common Wheels and Hubs for Behemoth
Volume 1, Issue 1
15
�
HEAVY GEAR BLITZ!
(BETA VERSION 2.0)
1
AURORA:
messages from the pod
John Buckmaster
Introduction
Official Update to Heavy Gear Blitz!
From the rules monkey...
The following replaces the Tankstrider entry found on page 64
of the Main Rulebook:
One of the things I want to do with Aurora is get new optional
rules, ideas for changes and such out into the public and let
players write in and give us their new and nifty rules to show off.
For the first issue, I have some new stuff for Heavy Gear Blitz!
Tankstrider Squad
TV: 160
A Squad consists of one Red Bull MkII tankstrider with standard
loadout.
Skills:
All members have Attack 3, Defense 2, EW 1. One Red Bull
MkII has Ld 2 and is the Combat Group Leader.
First are the optional rules, which as noted, are optional and can
only be used if all participants agree. The second is a revised
Tankstrider Squad for the PRDF that allows Paxton players
to take advantage of all the options the new Red Bull mkII
miniature. This may be considered official and any player may
use this instead of the options presented in the main rulebook.
WWW.DP9.COM
Dream Pod 9
Canada
1
Options:
• Add up to two additional Red Bull MkII’s for +160 TV each.
• Add Camo Netting to any member for +5 TV per member
• Add a MAC (F, no Reloads) for +5 TV
• Swap the MAAC for 2x VLRPs (T, ROF6, Linked, no Reloads)
for+10 TV .
• Add
a drone
to any Unit
(max one per
Unit):Page
Hunter-Killer
+5
Red Bull
MKII.qxp
2006-12-06
20:53
1
TV, Recon +20 TV each.
Optional Heavy Gear Blitz! Rules
These may only be used with permission of all players in a
game
Change to Offensive Stance:
Offensive stance adds one die to Initiative tests instead of rerolls
on Initiative when chosen.
RED BULL MKII
Ammunition types:
In the fields of war, many different types of weapon or deployment
systems are used. In Blitz, this can be represented by differing
ammunition loads on vehicles. If taken, the following ammunition
types replace the DM and all other effects of weapons with their
own.
ATT
#
DEF
EW
ACTIONS
3
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
ATTACK
LD
HEAVY GEAR BLITZ
Smoke Ammo: Only for limited ammo weapons, creates smoke
field equal to (DM/10, min 1)+ natural AE. Swap 1 for 1, so 2 of
3 grenades could be smoke, otherwise costs nothing.
Tracer Ammo: Only on weapons with RoF. At Night, gives +1 to
attacks that utilise RoF, but give the unit -1 To Defense until end
of round as other units can see the shots. No cost.
NAME
ARC
ACC
LFG
T
0
LFG
T
0
VLRP/128 T
-1
VLRP/128 T
-1
MAAC
T
0
MAC
F
0
PHYSICAL ATTACK (KICK/RAM)
SPEED STOP CBT TOP
3/6 -6 -4 -3
5/9 -6 -3 -2
+2 0
-3
ARMOR AND DAMAGE
ARMOR:
40
S L
DAMAGE:
SIZE
12
DETECT:
5
SENSORS: +1
AUTO COMM: 4
0
COMM:
M
W
G
H
BACKUP SENSORS, RUGGED MOVEMENT
RANGE
8/15/30/60/120
8/15/30/60/120
1/3/6/12/24
1/3/6/12/24
3/6/12/24/48
4/9/18/36/72
PERKS/FLAWS:, WPN LINK (LFGS, VLRPS),
IMPROVED OFF ROAD, SENSOR DEP, LSP 3
AUX SYSTEMS: AP CHARGES 1
DAM
X22
X22
X8
X8
X8
X10
X12
SPECIAL
IF, AE1
IF, AE1
ROF 6, IF
ROF 6, IF
ROF 6, AA
ROF 1
M
NOTE: THE RED BULL’S BACK TURRET CAN BE ARMED WITH EITHER MAAC OR TWO LINKED VLRP/128.
IT CAN ALSO CARRY A MAC IN ITS CHIN MOUNT.
Illumination Ammo: Illuminates (cancels
all penalties for Night effects and counts
as daylight) an AE equal to the 5+AE for
a number of rounds equal to the DM. May
only be used on weapons with limited
ammo. Swap 1 for 1, costs nothing.
Volume 1, Issue 1
16
AURORA:
Sneak Peeks!
Two sneak peeks this month:
First up are images of upcoming models for Hammers of Faith
that Phil sculpted, looking impressive as always. Information on
the costs and release dates will be announced on the forum and
in the web store.
Next up we have three pages from the just-shipped Heavy Gear
Blitz! sourcebook Hammers of Faith -- Armies of the North. Here
is the back cover copy from the book:
The world of Terra Nova is polarized. The
Confederated Northern City-States are once again
vying for control of the planet against the hedonistic,
immoral Allied Southern Territories. Founded on
Faith, strengthened with unity and tempered by
war, the armies of the North stand as the bastion of
righteousness on Terra Nova. The patriotic soldiers
of the Northern Guard stand ready to protect their
countrymen and the independent Badlanders
against Southern imperialism, and even take the war
to the South. But can they really defeat the Southern
juggernaut?
Tyburr
Hammers of Faith contains everything you need to
know about the armies of the North, including:
* An overview of Northern politics and history.
* Backgrounds on all the major war machines.
* In-depth Field Guides for the Northern Guard and
all three Northern league armies.
* New squads and options to let a Northern
commander handle nearly any situation.
* 30+ Datacards, covering all Northern designs
and major variants, for easy reference.
Infantry Platoon
Enjoy the previews, with more to come next month!
Bandit Hunter Klemm
Field Gun
Volume 1, Issue 1
17
AURORA:
NORTHERN MILITARY
GRIZZLY
The Grizzly has been the most common Northern fire-support Gear since
the War of the Alliance. Although developed well before then, it did not
displace its predecessor, the Bear, until after the CEF was pushed off Terra
Nova. The heavy frame needed to support its powerful weapons makes it
slow and clumsy, leaving it vulnerable to attack despite thick armor. Its
firepower more than compensates for this, and the Grizzly is capable of
both long-range fire support and heavy assault, and can be a devastating
anti-Gear weapon if screened by lighter units.
While not as simple and easy to work with as the Hunter, the Grizzly is an
old, reliable design. It has given rise to a bevy of alternate loadouts and
variants, including several engineering models. The standard loadout permits precision long-range strikes, short-range assaults, and basic antiarmor work. Most alternate loadouts focus on enhancing one of these
areas, usually at the expense of the others.
KODIAK
Based on the basic Grizzly chassis, the Kodiak was developed during the War of
the Alliance to help Gear columns deal with light CEF hovertanks. With considerably stronger armor and heavier direct-fire weapons than a normal Grizzly, the
Kodiak is an excellent assault machine. The high cost of constructing and maintaining them limits their deployment, but the legends surrounding their service
against the CEF mean that troops serving with them tend to have exceptional
morale.
FERRET
This unique scout Gear design was widely used throughout the North prior to
the introduction of the Cheetah, and is still found in spotter and recon roles in
many regiments. Its design features short, stubby legs and a prominent “buttwheel”. When switching to its Secondary Movement System (SMS), the Ferret’s
legs lock together and it settles back on the buttwheel, converting it into a lowsignature oversized motorcycle. Even though it is largely obsolete as a combat
Gear, it has been immortalized in Northern pop culture, and civilian models continue to be absurdly popular. Despite their weak armament, Ferrets are not to
be underestimated. Reports from the War of the Alliance tell of Ferrets performing many seemingly-impossible stunts, including taking out a hovertank singlehanded with a hand grenade.
CHAPTER 2: NORTHERN MILITARY
Volume 1, Issue 1
18
15
AURORA:
FIELD GUIDES
THE NORLIGHT ARMED FORCES
Southerners see the NAF as an arm of the Sorrento Revisionist Church. While not entirely fair, this perception is also not far from the truth. Sorrento Revisionism’s emphasis on “forceful peregrination” - using
force to protect the faithful, end oppression, or spread the Gentle Word - leads many devout Revisionists
to join the NAF to protect their country against the vile hedonism and imperialism of the Southern
Republic. This has made the NAF the largest of the Northern armies, and its troops the most fervent. The
NAF and the Sorrento Church have close ties, and an NAF regiment is often assigned a chaplain to counsel soldiers, keep morale up and conduct regular services. The NAF is frequently deployed into the Badlands
to protect homesteaders and Revisionist pilgrims traveling to Massada and other holy sites. They often work with the
Dorothean Monks, a Revisionist holy order dedicated to the protection of pilgrimage routes.
NORLIGHT ARMED FORCES SPECIAL RULES
Northern Rivalries: Due to the UMF restricting exports of Jaguars before the War of the Alliance, many regiments only have
Jaguars in their elite squads. A NAF player may swap a base Jaguar for a Tiger for no cost and any Thunder Jaguar for a
Sabertooth at no cost. Tigers and Sabertooths pay the same cost as Jaguars if upgraded with Field Armor and may take the
same options, except for swaps/upgrades to Jaguar variants.
CHAPTER 3: FIELD GUIDES
Local Manufacturing: Shaian Mechanics and Keimuri Gear are both NLC companies, and as such their Gears are more common
in the NAF. NAF players may swap any base Hunters to Cheetahs for +25 TV. Hunters upgraded to Cheetahs may have their
DPG upgraded to a LAC (F, Reloads) for an additional +5 TV. In addition, the player may upgrade any Ferrets to Ferret MkII’s
at +5TV, regardless of veteran status.
Chaplains: The prevalence of Revisionism in the NLC is reflected in the makeup of the NAF and many soldiers from the NLC
are devout Revisionists. Chaplains or Monks of the Sorrento Revisionist faith often serve as active members of regiments, tending to the souls of their fellow soldiers and, in some cases, joining them in battle.
One Unit in your force may be upgraded to a Chaplain. The Chaplain has the same skills as the rest of the Combat Group and
may be the Combat Group Leader or even the Army Commander. The Combat Group the Chaplain is a part of gains one CP per
round as if they had a Satellite Uplink, but this CP may only be used on the Combat Group the Chaplain is in and may only
be used for re-rolls or removing morale tokens. This costs 30TV. The Chaplain’s Unit should be designated with a small goblet or other such symbol painted on it.
Warrior Monk: If in a Gear, a Chaplain may be upgraded to a Warrior Monk for +5 TV. The Warrior Monk gains a Gear-sized
fighting staff (Range 0, DM is Size +2, ACC 0 and is both Melee and Armor Crushing) and may roll an additional die in Melee
Combat.
Army Commander: One Combat Group out of those allowed must be designated as the Army Command Squad. The Squad Leader
becomes the Army Commander. The Army Commander may upgrade any or all of these skills for +15 TV each: EW, Leadership
or Defense. If an Infantry Platoon is chosen, one squad must be designated as the Army Commander and it may pay 30 TV to
upgrade its Infantry Skill by 1.
Command Points: The NAF follows the same Command Point rules as the Northern Guard.
24
Volume 1, Issue 1
19
AURORA:
COMBAT GROUP LISTINGS
DRAGOON SQUAD
TV: 300
While Strike Squads are designed for full out assault and heavy assault roles, the Dragoon squads are designed for heavy recon,
fast assault and close assault, much like the Highland regiments of old. In fact the WFPA makes it a point of pride that all WFPA
Dragoon Squads are known as Highlanders. Dragoons are best used in “blitz” attacks, although some Dragoon Squads are
designed specifically for urban combat.
Composition: A Dragoon Squad consists of 2 Cheetahs and 2 Hunters with Standard Loadout, as well as 1 Rabid Grizzly.
Skills: All members have Attack 2, Defense 2, EW 1. The Rabid Grizzly has Ld 2 and is the Combat Group Leader.
OPTIONS :
– Any Hunter may be upgraded to a Jaguar with Standard Loadout for +20 TV.
– Any Hunter can be upgraded to a Rabid Grizzly for +50TV.
– Any Rabid Grizzly may upgrade their LGL to a HGL (F, Reloads) for +10TV.
– Add Field Armor (an additional Sturdy Box) to any member for +30 TV per Hunter variant, +25 per Cheetah and
+20 per Jaguar or Grizzly.
– Any Cheetah May upgrade their DPG to a LAC (F, Reloads) for +5TV.
– Add one Recon drone to any member (max 1 drone per Unit) + 20 TV.
– Add one Hunter-Killer drone to any member (max 1 drone per Unit) for + 5 TV.
– Any Unit may swap an Autocannon for a FGC (F, Reloads) and HGs (limited ammo 3) for 3 HHGs (F, Limited
Ammo 3) for +5TV.
– Any Unit may swap its LRP for HMG (F, no Reloads), and add HPZFs (F, Limited Ammo 4) for +0 TV each.
CHAPTER 4: COMBAT GROUP LISTINGS
Veteran Status Options:
– Increase Leadership of the Combat Group Leader by 1 level (to 3) for +10 TV.
– Increase both the Attack and Defense Skills of any member to level 3 for +30 TV per member.
– Any Unit with an Autocannon may upgrade it to a LGL (F, Reloads) for +10 TV.
– Any Cheetah may be swapped for a Strike Cheetah for 0 TV.
– Any Grizzly, Including the Leader’s, may be swapped for a Jaguar.
– Any Jaguar may swap its LRP for 2 MRPs (FF, RoF 4, No reloads) for +10TV and may link these for an additional
+10TV.
34
Volume 1, Issue 1
20
AURORA:
t h e S i l h ou e t t e m a g a z i n e
About the authors
Beth Porter ([email protected]) -- Cover Image. Illustration: p1
Beth Porter is an artist. She’s done a lot of Heavy Gear fan art, and has three pieces in the new Hammers of Faith book. She has an unnatural
fondness for Ferrets.
Charles Lewis ([email protected]) -- Hero’s Rest
A long-time gamer since way back when, Charles recently wrote Victory by Any Means:Jovian Chronicles, published by VBAM Games. He finds
great satisfaction in the blending of anime and sci-fi found in DP9’s settings and enjoys both the Jovian Chronicles and Heavy Gear. He lives in
Missouri with his wife, daughter and two cats, none of whom were harmed in the writing of this story. He would like to add that he was greatly
amused at discovering that tengu is the Japananse word for a long-nosed goblin or a braggart, and named the Braggadacio accordingly.
John Buckmaster ([email protected]) -- Messages from the Pod
John Buckmaster is DP9’s head rules monkey and line developer. He’s one of the masterminds behind the whole Blitz thing, and has been a
Heavy Gear fan forever.
Nick Pilon ([email protected]) -- SEED: Odyssey
Nick Pilon is a DP9 freelancer. He’s particularly insane, because he keeps trying to track down and resolve continuity problems and ensure
consistent capitalization of game terms.
Oliver Bollmann ([email protected]) -- Core Injection: Variant RPG Rules
It all started in a hobby store one day twenty odd years ago with an odd box containing something called Top Secret. Almost as soon as he began
gaming he began writing, tinkering and adding for and to them, which led to self-publishing and e-publishing several supplements. In the times
he’s not playing games, practicing traditional Chinese martial arts, designing buildings, or being a stand for the world he continues to write and
create for all manner of things. He’s been in love with the DP9 universes since the first HG release and began his direct involvement with the Pod
crew a couple of years ago.
Owen O’Connell ([email protected]) -- Blood of the Prophet
Owen O’Connell stands about 15 feet tall. He has one central sensor cluster in the middle of his face, and his hull is equipped with ten hardpoints
to carry his various armaments. He has dense armor covering most of his body, and runs on a combustion powered servo-motor system. This is
his first publication for Heavy Gear after ten years of pure adoration.
Paul Lesack ([email protected]) -- Paper Model: Behemoth and Illustration: p6, bottom
Paul has been designing paper models since he realized that it was less toxic than casting resin ones.
Philippe Le Clerc -- Illustrations: p4 and p6, top. Miniatures: p 16, p17
Philippe Le Clerc is DP9’s miniature master. He designs and sculpts the models, and is the other mastermind behind the whole Blitz thing.
copyright information
Silhouette™, Silhouette Core™, Core Command™, Heavy Gear™, Heavy Gear Blitz™, Jovian Chronicles™, Tribe
8™ and Gear Krieg™ are Trademarks of Dream Pod 9, Inc. Silhouette™ Core Rules are © Dream Pod 9, Inc.
All articles written within are © their respective authors, as indicated on the list above. Permission has been granted
for the sole purpose of their publication in Aurora. No reproduction is allowed without their express consent.
All images not specifically listed above, as well as all game logos are © DP9 and their original artists. No
reproduction is allowed without their express consent.
Permission granted to reproduce this document in full for private use.
Please visit www.dp9.com and aurora.dp9forum.com for more information.
Aurora Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1, Published Jaunary 1st, 2007
Volume 1, Issue 1
21
AURORA:
submission guidelines
Article Guidelines
The file should end with the Author’s name(s), contact information
(if desired) and a short bio (optional). This information will be placed
on a Contributing Author’s page in the magazine.
The Aurora Magazine focuses on the worlds created by Dream Pod
9. As such, we are primarily interested in, but not limited to, articles
dealing with SilCore and Blitz rules (variants, additions, explorations
of the rules) and on fiction, mechanized designs, equipment and the
like that draw on established DP9 universes. This does not mean,
however, that articles that are generic in nature or that do not deal
with unique or original material, only that the focus is on exploring
Silhouette and it’s attendant universes.
Please spell check and proofread your article. English or American
spellings may be used as desired.
Photos, drawings or images should be accompanied by photo
credits as well as a brief description/caption for each photo
(optional). Indicate within your article where the images are to
be included like so: <<<Image_Filename.ext>>>. Images should
be sent at a maximum of 150dpi for greyscale or colour images,
300dpi for black & white images (1-bit). Given the size of a page,
images should be no larger than 7 by 7 inches (18 by 18 cm). If we
need a higher resolution image, we will contact you. Images should
be compressed with an appropriate method; please check the
quality of your images before sending. If by including images the
submission would grow over 2 megabytes in size, please place the
images on an Internet-accessible server where we will download
them (don’t forget to tell us where they are located).
Any article that is a promotion piece for another product, be it an
excerpt or a lead-in to another product, must be clearly defined as
such within the article body.
No articles will be accepted that use another’s Intellectual Property
or Copyrighted material without an included signed permission to
use said material.
Fiction may be a one-off or serial based, as desired. Please note that
long works of fiction may be split into multiple pieces over multiple
issues for length reasons; if you are writing a long story it is best to
indicate breaks in the story (chapters, for example) that allow us to
chose the best point to split the story, if necessary. In keeping with
the nature of the magazine we ask that fiction be accompanied by
Silhouette CORE or Blitz! rules detail of some kind, be it stats for
characters or equipment in the story, game scenarios, mechanized
designs, new rules or explanations of how to simulate aspects of the
story using the Silhouette/Blitz rules. This is not a hard requirement,
and you may request that another contributor be asked to create
the rules support based on your story.
Copyright Guidelines
Quotes or information that are attributable to other sources are
permissible in appropriate quantities, and should be identified/cited
(including page numbers), preferably within the article. Be sure that
each quote is written exactly as it appears in the original source.
If you wish to include photos/drawings/images with your article,
please provide the photo credits (artist/photographer/illustrator and
subject if applicable). You may only submit images for which you
have obtained permission to include in your article.
Aurora is also looking for original artwork. Art may be used to
accompany the article and/or for the cover of the APA. Please see
below for copyright information regarding images.
All articles and images used by Aurora remain in the copyright of
the original submitters. You, as the author, must consent to release
the article for publication by Aurora, with the knowledge that Aurora
will not provide any compensation other than what has been listed
above, and that Aurora, as an online magazine, will be downloaded
by third-parties in a PDF format. All work for Aurora is volunteerbased. Should DP9 decide at a later time to compile and sell articles
within a contract will be negotiated with the author at that time.
Submission Guidelines
All work for Aurora should be submitted in an .rtf (Rich Text Format)
file. The text within should be in Arial 10pt font, and single-spaced.
Hard returns should be used only to separate paragraphs (with a
double hard return) or with bullet points and list items. Do not indent
paragraphs. You may use italics, boldface or bullets where deemed
necessary.
The End Print
Please send all submissions to the following email address:
Tables may be included in the submission. Preferably, tables
should be created with minimal lines between cells, instead using
background colour and/or cell spacing for clarity. Tables may also
be included in courier-font/fixed-formatting. Identify these kind of
tables with the following: <<<Table>>>
[email protected]
Thank you everyone for your interest, and we look forward to seeing
your submissions soon!
The article’s title should be clearly noted at the beginning of the
file, followed by a short (less than 75 words) introductory text. This
introductory text can either be a synopsis, a quote, story, etc. It will
be used at the beginning of the article to ‘set the stage’.
Volume 1, Issue 1
22
AURORA:
Historical Articles
article suggestions
void that is not already covered by another unit. Background and
a description must be included with the design, while artwork is
optional and preferred. See the Historical Accuracy note, below.
Under this broad category are pieces meant primarily for illuminating
or detailing something within the game universe. This can be truly
historical in nature (describing history), detailing a region, the
language, customs, architecture, technical systems, corporations,
social structure, music, and more, to name a few. Articles may
either be written from a neutral point of view (impartial observer
from above) or written ‘in character’, that is, in the manner such
information may be presented if it were available in the game world.
See the Historical Accuracy note, below (especially important for
this category).
Artwork
Aurora accepts all artwork for consideration, no matter the media
type (rendering, sketch, painting, etc) within the rules set herein.
Miniature photographs will also be accepted (dioramas encouraged!).
Artwork must relate to an established DP9 universe and be easily
identified as such. Artwork with nudity, racial undertones, sexism or
sex will not be considered. See the submission guidelines on how
to submit images.
Fiction
House Rules
Any story (narrative with characters) that takes place within the
established DP9 game worlds falls under this category. See the
Historical Accuracy note, below, and also see the submission
guidelines for further requirements.
Original rules for the Silhouette/Blitz system and modifications to
existing rules. All rules submittals must include an explanation of
the rule’s purpose, the rules themselves clearly written, and an
example of the rule in play.
Modules
Also known as adventures, a written collection of plot, character,
and location details used by the gamemaster to manage the plot
or story in the DP9 RPGs. All manner of modules are open for
submission, from espionage to social to military to a combination of
all three. Module submissions must be detailed enough for the GM
to run the entire adventure, including descriptions and dispositions
(where applicable) of major NPCs, locations, accessories and
story/plot. See the Historical Accuracy note, below.
Tactics
Scenarios
Miniatures/Modeling
These are the tactical equivalent of modules, an encounter between
two (or more) factions set up for combat. A complete scenario
will detail the background of the encounter (the why), the forces
engaged (the who -- what physical units at a minimum, regiment
and designations to go the full way), the map and terrain (the where)
the victory conditions (the how) and any special rules or conditions
(the what). Scenarios should be designed to be balanced for
each side, either via the types/numbers of units or through special
circumstances or conditions. If the scenario is not balanced this
must be mentioned in the background. See the Historical Accuracy
note, below.
Any article on preparing miniatures, painting, terrain making,
sculpting, foliage techniques, etc will be accepted. Photographs
and/or diagrams are strongly encouraged.
Have you won countless battles? Have a strategy you would like
to share? Write a tactics article. Usually this type of article will be
in a step-by-step (or turn by turn) format to illustrate the tactic.
An introduction and conclusion is required to create a complete
package and to convey to the reader where the tactic is applicable
and how it came about.
Note: Historical Accuracy
Aurora is committed to accuracy within the established DP9 worlds.
All articles that take place ‘within’ the game world should be checked
for its accuracy within the established timeline, faction dispositions,
available equipment, etc. Submitted articles will be run by the game
world historians, so check your work! You may, however, submit
your article clearly marked as “Alternate History” and if published
the article too will bear this mark. Be sure, if you submit this way,
to provide in the background all that is necessary to describe what
has changed.
Designs
New mechanical designs/vehicles/ships for use in the DP9 worlds.
Designs must be legal and use either the latest SilCore rules
(including all errata and the FAQ) or Blitz rules. Please indicate
which design rules were used. Mechanical designs should fill a
Volume 1, Issue 1
23

THE SILHOUETTE MAGAZINE FIRST ISSUE! INSIDE: BLITZ! SCENARIOS AND

Transcription

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